Kite Tube Grounded

Sportsstuff, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is voluntarily recalling about 19,000 Wego Kite Tubes.

The CPSC is aware of 39 injuries; 29 of those resulting in medical treatment. Injuries include a broken neck, punctured lung, chest, back and facial injuries. Sportsstuff has received reports of two deaths in the United States and a variety of serious injuries.

The kite tube is a 10-foot-wide, circular inflatable watercraft designed to be towed behind a power boat. A rider in the tube becomes airborne by pulling on handles attached to the floor of the tube.

The tubes were imported and sold through marine distributors, mail order catalogs and various retailers from around Oct. 1, 2005 to July 11, 2006. They cost between $500 to $600.

Consumers should immediately stop using the kite tubes and contact Sportsstuff at (866) 831-5524 to learn how to obtain free replacement products. Consumers can also visit the firm's Web site at www.sportsstuff.com for more information.